William Bateman George III Sterling Silver Wine Funnel with Armorial

This wine funnel is a two piece item consisting of a 3 1/2" diameter, 1 3/8" high, strainer basket, and the actual fitted funnel that is 3 1/2" long. The two pieces together weigh 3.3 T. oz.

The bowl is fully hallmarked with a "lion," "leopard," date letter "C" for 1818-19, duty "bust," and "W.B" in a double rounded cartouche for William Bateman, whom Jackson's Hallmarks identifies as "very good (best of the Batemans)."

The funnel is counter stamped with a "lion," "bust" and corresponding maker's mark on the sleeve.

There is an applied, lined, rim on the bulbous or cauldron shaped body, and this has a brace or clip for hooking over a vessel.

The funnel has a lined fitting where it joins the body, and has three applied, vertical, wires that appear to be both decorative and structural, i.e. reinforcing. The actual spout is turned sideways to the axis of the funnel.

The side of the body is engraved with a crest or armorial that appears to be a deer, or possibly a lamb, resting under a tree.

In very good condition, this nonetheless shows evidence of use.

It is without splits or major dents, but has numerous dings, more so on the body than on the funnel. The armorial detail remains well defined, free of polishing wear, and the overall finish is bright and even. The attachment between the two pieces remains snug.

The solder work around the ring on the base of the body, while original and consistent with the technical capacities of the time, appears somewhat primitive, i.e. sloppy.

Please see both sets of enlargements for full detail.